MARGAO
The Director of Shipping has issued an advisory to seafarers and their family members to be vigilant against deceitful practices of Indian recruitment and placement of seafarers companies.
Deputy Director General of Shipping (Crew), Capt (Dr) Daniel Joseph has pointed out that timely reporting and seeking assistance are essential to prevent further exploitation and ensure accountability within the recruitment sector. Capt Joseph has strongly encouraged seafarers to assert their rights and seek immediate assistance from all relevant authorities or support organizations in case of suspicions or encounters with deceitful practices.
The advisory has come after the Directorate General of Shipping received representations from seafarers, seafarer families and seafarer unions that Indian seafarers are facing significant challenges of getting abandoned/stranded/arrested/detained at various ports worldwide. Moreover, a recent report by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has mentioned that a concerning number of vessels with Indian seafarers, a notable portion of which are reported to have flown Flags of Convenience (FoC), are being abandoned, indicating potential lapses in regulatory oversight.
The advisory that ships registered under FoC are subject to the maritime laws of the country of registration rather than the owner's home country and may offer economic benefits to ship-owners but have been frequently criticized for facilitating substandard working conditions, exploitation of seafarers and thereby contributing to regulatory loopholes within the maritime industry.
“It has also come to this Directorate’s attention that certain Indian registered Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers (RPS) agencies are engaged in deceitful practices during the recruitment process of Indian seafarers and are posing risks to Indian seafarer's well-being and their rights. Seafarers are mandated to be recruited through approved Indian registered Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers (RPS) agencies, on behalf of foreign ship owners under the Merchant Shipping (Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers) Rules 2016. To further facilitate the said recruitment processes, RPS agencies are required to e-Migrate seafarers through the Directorate's E-Govemance system,” the advisory added.
The advisory further stated that after due departure from India and arrival at the port of joining, it has come to light that seafarers are often advised by unscrupulous/fraudulent RPS agencies to join vessels other than the ones initially designated, citing various reasons such as the vessel's departure at joining port or delay of the vessel in arrival joining port.
“Seafarers who comply with the advice of the RPS agency regarding joining another vessel, may find themselves assigned to vessels that do not meet minimum safety standards or are abandoned vessel of substandard quality. 3. Employment agreements or contracts provided by RPS agents may be invalid or signed between the ship owners and seafarers maybe without proper authorization,” the advisory said.
As a result of these concerning practices, the advisory stated that Indian seafarers often find themselves abandoned or stranded without the settlement of their wages and lacking the supply of necessary provisions, fresh water and basic requirements onboard the vessel. The advice given by unscrupulous or fraudulent RPS agencies to join alternative vessels, coupled with the subsequent assignment to ships that fail to meet minimum safety standards or of substandard quality exacerbates the vulnerability of seafarers," it stated.
Meanwhile, the Goan Seamen Association of India has expressed their gratitude to the Directorate General of Shipping for issuing MS Notice 11 of 2024. “This notice is seen as a beneficial step towards safeguarding the rights and well-being of seafarers and ensuring the integrity of the maritime recruitment process," stated GSAI president Frank Viegas.
He said the Association believes that this notice will not only serve as a guidance for current seafarers but will also be of great help to new seafarers who are looking to apply for recruitment in the maritime industry. “We appreciate the commitment shown by the Directorate to prioritize the welfare of seafarers and maintain the standards of the recruitment process,” he added.
